Animation: The Whole Story by Howard Beckerman: A Comprehensive Review

Animation: The Whole Story is a monumental work by Howard Beckerman, a renowned animation historian and educator. Published in 2017, this comprehensive tome offers an exhaustive examination of the history, techniques, and evolution of animation as an art form. In this article, we will delve into a detailed review and analysis of Beckerman's masterpiece, exploring its key themes, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Animation: The Whole Story is a testament to Beckerman's deep knowledge and passion for the field of animation. The book chronicles the development of animation from its earliest precursors in prehistoric rock paintings to the cutting-edge digital technologies of the 21st century. Beckerman skillfully weaves together historical context, technical details, and artistic analysis to present a comprehensive narrative of the art form's evolution.

The book is divided into three parts:

Animation: The Whole Story

by Howard Beckerman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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• Part I: The Origins of Animation traces the roots of animation in prehistoric art, shadow puppetry, and magic lantern shows. Beckerman explores the scientific and technological breakthroughs that paved the way for the development of motion pictures and the emergence of animated cartoons.
• Part II: The Golden Age of Animation examines the rise of animated storytelling in the early 20th century, highlighting the contributions of seminal figures such as Winsor McCay, Max Fleischer, and Walt Disney. Beckerman analyzes the technical innovations, artistic styles, and cultural influences that defined this era of animation.
• Part III: The Modern Era of Animation explores the evolution of animation after World War II, including the rise of television animation, independent animation, and computer-generated imagery (CGI). Beckerman discusses the impact of new technologies, changing audience expectations, and global trends on the art form.

Animation: The Whole Story is not merely a chronological account of animation history. Beckerman uses his extensive research to explore several key themes that illuminate the art form's significance and evolution:

• The Relationship between Technology and Artistic Expression: Beckerman emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between technological advancements and artistic creativity in animation. He explores how innovations in cinematography, sound recording, and computer graphics have shaped the aesthetics, narrative possibilities, and cultural impact of animated works.
• The Importance of Storytelling: Beckerman argues that storytelling is the fundamental core of animation. He analyzes the various narrative techniques, character development, and emotional resonance employed by animators to create engaging and memorable stories.
• The Cultural and Social Impact of Animation: Beckerman examines the profound influence of animation on popular culture, entertainment, and education. He explores the ways in which animated works have reflected and shaped social values, promoted cultural understanding, and sparked artistic innovation.
• The Future of Animation: Beckerman concludes the book by offering insights into the future of animation. He discusses the emerging technologies, trends, and challenges facing the industry and speculates on the potential of animation to continue captivating and entertaining audiences for generations to come.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Animation: The Whole Story is the most comprehensive single-volume work on the history of animation available. Beckerman's meticulous research and attention to detail provide readers with an unparalleled overview of the art form's origins, development, and impact.
• Engaging Writing Style: Beckerman's writing is clear, accessible, and engaging. He seamlessly blends technical explanations with historical anecdotes and cultural insights to create a narrative that is both informative and entertaining.
• Abundant Illustrations: The book is richly illustrated with over 500 images, including rare stills, concept sketches, and promotional materials. These illustrations provide visual context for Beckerman's discussions and help readers appreciate the artistic and technical achievements of animators throughout history.
• Extensive Bibliography: The book concludes with an extensive bibliography, providing readers with a wealth of additional resources for further research and exploration.

While Animation: The Whole Story is a monumental work, there are some areas where it could benefit from improvement:

• International Scope: While Beckerman briefly touches on international animation, the majority of the book focuses on American animation. Expanding the scope to include more global perspectives would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of the art form's development.
• Emphasis on Commercial Animation: The book primarily focuses on commercial animation produced by major studios and filmmakers. While this is an important aspect of animation history, it would have been valuable to give more attention to independent and experimental animation as well.
• Lack of Diversity: The book could have benefited from a more inclusive perspective by including discussions of women animators, animators of color, and LGBTQ+ animators who have made significant contributions to the field.

Howard Beckerman's Animation: The Whole Story is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history, techniques, and evolution of animation. Its comprehensive coverage, engaging writing style, and abundant illustrations make it a must-read for animation students, historians, and enthusiasts alike. While there are some areas for improvement, such as addressing international scope and diversity, the book remains a definitive work that will continue to inform and inspire generations of animators and scholars.

Animation: The Whole Story

by Howard Beckerman

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5673 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	322 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE